September 09, 2016

Creative Rituals

Here's an article that I wrote on the topic of Creative Rituals a few years ago that you may find interesting:

On a daily basis, use creative rituals to open the door to artistic inspiration. Before you begin working on your serious art projects, try setting the stage with one of these ideas:

Create a quick collage. I like to make a fast collage before I work on my bigger art pieces. I usually use a small format such as an index card, artist trading card or a section of my daily planner.

Light a candle to indicate that this is your sacred time to make art.

In the book, Artist’s Block Cured, co-author Linda Krall suggests that artists do a Brain Dump. Krall says that artists’ brains are typically filled with many negative thoughts such as self-doubt, judgment and fear – as well as creative and imaginative ideas. She suggests taking a blank sheet of paper - and to start dumping out whatever words come to mind as fast as you can. Get it all out and then start making Art.

Put your wood manikin to work instead of using it as a decoration. These accurately proportioned figures easily adjust to assume most human positions. So let your manikins strike a pose and begin drawing. Over the next few days, do a series of manikin sketches.

Take a long, relaxing walk. You may want to carry a small notebook and pen in your pocket to jot down those innovative insights that will certainly pop up as your mind calms down during the walk.

Clear your work table. If you’re like me, your work table is probably cluttered with bottles of paint, pens, embellishments, etc. Because of this clutter, many times I painted on a board of wood propped on my lap. Now, I take the time to clear my table, giving myself a clean area to create. Try it – and watch your creativity soar to new heights.

Set the stage with music that invigorates your heart and soul to jumpstart your art making sessions. What type of music? Classic, Rock……..I personally love the Blues.

Start your art sessions with a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa.

Do a fast sketch of an object in your Studio, e.g., tubes of paint, paint brushes, Taboret, book shelves, chair or a nearby window.

Set the stage the night before by laying out the art supplies that you will use for your next creative session.